Why use natural weed killers?

Natural weed killers offer a safer alternative to chemical herbicides that can leave harmful residues in your soil and water. They are ideal for households with children and pets or environmentally conscious gardeners who want to reduce their ecological footprint. Additionally, using organic weed killers promotes soil health and biodiversity, encouraging a balanced ecosystem in your garden.

Weed control doesn’t have to be difficult. Let’s dive into some of the most effective natural weed and grass-killer recipes you can use in your garden.

How to remove weeds from lawn naturally 

What is the best natural weed killer for lawns? Let’s take a look at some of the common ways on how to get rid of weeds without killing grass naturally.

1. Boiling water: A simple and effective solution

Boiling water is one of the best natural lawn weed killers. When poured directly over unwanted plants, the heat causes the plant cells to burst, effectively killing the weed. This method is particularly effective for smaller, shallow-rooted weeds growing in cracks or gravel.

How to get rid of weeds naturally with boiling water

• Boil a pot of water and carefully pour it directly over the weeds.
• Target the weed roots and weed seeds to ensure the plant is killed completely.
• Be cautious not to splash nearby plants, as boiling water can damage any plant it touches.

Boiling water works best on weeds in pathways, driveways, and areas with tough surfaces. However, it may not be the most efficient solution for extensive weed infestations in large lawns as the boiling water can also negatively impact a lawn that is still healthy. Use this method sparingly and only to kill small lawn weeds. 

2. Salt: A long-lasting weed killer

Salt is another natural weed killer that works by dehydrating plants and inhibiting their growth. While it can be highly effective, it’s important to use salt sparingly, as too much can disrupt the soil’s health and affect the surrounding vegetation.

How to naturally get rid of weeds in the lawn using salt

• Mix one part salt with two parts water and apply it directly to the weed’s base.
• Alternatively, sprinkle salt directly on the weeds and water it in lightly.

Salt is ideal for areas where you don’t want any plant growth, such as walkways or driveways. Avoid using it in garden beds or on lawns, as it can prevent the future growth of desirable plants and grasses.

3. Vinegar: A household staple with multiple uses

Vinegar is a popular organic weed killer due to its acidity. The acetic acid in vinegar breaks down the cell walls of the plant, leading to dehydration and, ultimately, the death of the weed. Vinegar is most effective on young weeds that haven’t established deep roots yet.

Here’s a natural way to kill grass and weeds with vinegar:

• Use a high-concentration vinegar (5%-20% acetic acid) for better results.
• Using a spray bottle, spray the vinegar directly onto the leaves of the weed, ensuring thorough coverage.
• Apply on a sunny day, as sunlight helps speed up the vinegar’s effect.

While vinegar is an excellent natural weed killer, it is non-selective, meaning it can harm nearby plants. Be mindful of where you spray to avoid damaging your lawn or garden plants.

4. Nitrogen: feed your lawn, starve the weeds

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but did you know it can also be a powerful weed suppressant? By applying nitrogen-rich fertilisers to your lawn, you can strengthen the grass and outcompete weeds for resources. A healthy, well-nourished lawn is less likely to be invaded by weeds.

How nitrogen helps suppress weeds:

• Nitrogen promotes vigorous growth in grass, making it harder for weeds to take hold.
• Regularly fertilise your lawn with an organic, nitrogen-based fertiliser to keep the grass dense and healthy.
• Avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to lush growth that is prone to other issues like disease.

5. Iron: A selective weed killer for broadleaf weeds

Iron is another natural weed killer that selectively targets broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover without harming your grass. This is because broadleaf weeds absorb more iron than grass, which ultimately causes them to die off.

How to remove weeds from lawn naturally with iron:

• Apply iron-based herbicides or supplements specifically designed for weed control.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid over-application.
• Iron products work best when applied in the spring or early fall when weeds are actively growing.

Iron-based weed control is a great choice for maintaining a healthy lawn while minimising weed growth.

6. Nonanoic acid: a rapid, organic solution

Nonanoic acid is a lesser-known organic weed killer, but it’s gaining popularity due to its rapid action. Derived from natural fatty acids, nonanoic acid works by stripping away the waxy cuticles of plants, causing them to dehydrate and die quickly.

Benefits of Nonanoic Acid:

• Fast-acting, killing weeds within hours.
• Safe for use around children, pets, and beneficial insects.
• Best used on small, actively growing weeds.

While nonanoic acid is effective, it may require multiple applications for persistent or large weeds. It’s an excellent choice for organic gardeners looking for an alternative to traditional herbicides.

Choose weed-resistant grass to minimise weed growth

One of the natural ways to kill weeds in the lawn is to choose a weed-resistant grass type from the beginning. At Lilydale Instant Lawn, we recommend opting for hardy, resilient grass varieties that can outcompete weeds and thrive in various conditions.natural lawn weed killer recipe.

Recommended weed-resistant grass varieties:

• Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo Grass: Known for its thick coverage and weed resistance, this variety is ideal for Australian lawns, as it thrives in both sun and shade.
• TifTuf Bermuda Grass: This drought-tolerant grass is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it less prone to weed invasion.

By investing in high-quality, weed-resistant grass, you can reduce the likelihood of weeds taking over your lawn and save time on maintenance.

Natural solutions for a healthy lawn

When it comes to how to naturally kill grass and weeds, using natural and organic weed killers can provide an eco-friendly solution to keeping your lawn weed-free without harming the environment. Whether you choose boiling water, salt, vinegar, nitrogen, iron, or nonanoic acid, there are plenty of options to tackle unwanted weeds effectively. Additionally, selecting a weed-resistant grass variety like Sir Walter Buffalo or TifTuf Bermuda can help prevent weeds from growing in the first place.

At Lilydale Instant Lawn, we believe in nurturing healthy, sustainable lawns. By incorporating these organic weed control methods and choosing the right grass for your environment, you can enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn all year round. 

Alternatively, we stock everything you need for effective weed control and to kill weeds naturally. Browse our lawn care shop today and find simple ways to get rid of stubborn weeds without using toxic chemicals.